An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario: Implications for U.S. National Security

5/13/2004

From: Christopher Lagan of World Resources Institute, 202-729-7684 or clagan@wri.org

News Advisory:

WHAT: As part of the World Resources Institute's WRI Briefings 2004 series, Peter Schwartz will discuss the findings of his report, "An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario -- Implications for U.S. National Security."

The report resulted in a "climate change scenario that although not the most likely, is plausible, and would challenge U.S. national security in ways that should be considered immediately."

WHEN: Monday, May 17, 2004 from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. (A light lunch will be served)

WHERE: World Resources Institute, 10 G Street, NE, 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20002 (Red Line Metro: Exit at Union Station. WRI is between North Capitol and First Street, NE)

WHO: Peter Schwartz, co-founder & chairman, Global Business Network Moderated by Dr. David Jhirad, vice president for science and research , WRI

WHY: Peter Schwartz is co-author of a controversial study on abrupt climate change commissioned by the Pentagon. The study, released early this year, suggests the possibility that the gradual global warming happening today could lead to a relatively abrupt slowing of the ocean's thermohaline conveyor (e.g. the Gulf Stream). This could lead to harsher weather conditions, sharply reduced soil moisture, and more intense winds in certain regions that currently provides a large amount of the world's food. Without adequate preparation, the result could be a significant drop in the Earth's capacity to support life.

Peter Schwartz is an internationally renowned futurist and business strategist. As a specialist in scenario planning, he creates alternative perspectives of the future and develops strategies for a changing world. His current work encompasses energy resources and the environment, technology, financial services, aerospace, telecommunications, media and entertainment, national security, and the Asia-Pacific region.

WRI Briefings 2004 is a lecture series presented by the World Resources Institute, an environmental research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the planet and improve people's lives (http://www.wri.org).